Speed did his best to fight back the laughter that threatened to erupt from him. It was a rather hard thing to do, especially since everyone around him was already laughing.

Like with Trixie (although unknown to him), Speed had made some new friends after he'd gotten hired into Ruby's. Most of them were also friends of the owners and several of the bartenders but they were friends all the same. And they were fast becoming family as well. Also, like with Trixie's group, one of Speed's friends happened to be a bit of a goofball. A few of them, actually. These men were not afraid to let it show, either.

Currently, they were up on a makeshift stage in the middle of the floor, dancing around to some music. That itself wasn't so bad. It was the fact that all three men were dressed in pink bunny outfits complete with black, high-heeled shoes, long bunny ears, and fishnet stockings. If he hadn't known better, Speed would have sworn that they were women.

'If only Trixie and Sparky could see this,' he thought, finally letting a bit of his laughter out. Several of his customers cast him a quick glance before thanking him for their drinks and returning their attention back to the . . . live entertainment. 'This place is great.'

Speed felt that, in by choosing Philadelphia as his getaway place, he'd made the right decision. The city itself was rich and alive with history. It never seemed to stop, even after he'd gone to bed. And the people that he'd met . . . he felt at home, more so than what he had in Michigan. That said something to him.

He also didn't miss racing as much as he had when he'd first accepted the racing commission's offer. Granted, he didn't have much of a job – waiting tables and serving beer wasn't exactly what he'd had in mind for his life – but he was enjoying the freedom that he now had. He got to see more people, have a little more time to himself when he needed it . . . and he didn't have to worry about psycho drivers and their team owners. In the short of it, life had become sweet.

'I never knew things could be like this,' he thought as he moved to the next table. Before he could say anything, though, a familiar voice spoke up.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself, Speed. I'm glad to see that. But aren't you a bit worried that Trixie would get upset at seeing you ogling dancing girls?"

Speed raised his head to see Racer X sitting at one of his tables, a cigarette in hand.

He was surprised, to say the least, that the Masked Racer had even come here. The only time the owners allowed people in masks in the door were for Halloween and even then they had to take them off at the door to gain entry. Then he glanced to the impromptu stage where the three dancing "girls" – three guys by the names of Robert, C.J., and Killer – were dancing away to what everyone referred to as the "Cha Cha Bunny Song" and shook his head.

"Those aren't dancing girls," he replied, chuckling a little.

"Actually, they are," the Masked Racer stated. "I can tell."

"No," Speed shook his head, "they're not. Those are guys up there."

"Guys?" Racer X echoed.

"Yes. Guys. They're names are Robert, C.J., and Killer, some really close friends of the owners."

"Oh . . . they look like real women."

"I know. So . . . what can I get you?" he inquired. "And, before you order any alcohol, I will need to see some I.D. If I don't and the owners catch wind of it, I'll lose my job."

"A cola will be fine to start with, Speed. I'm expecting some friends to show up soon," Racer X murmured, surprise registering even through his mask. "You actually enjoy working here?"

"I do," he confirmed. "The atmosphere is great, the people are friendly, and the pay's good. What more can I ask for?"

"How about to be racing?"

"I'll be right back with your drink," Speed said, avoiding the question. "Let me know if you'll need anything else."

He quickly turned and headed back for the bar, not wanting to think about what he'd have to do if he had to leave this life behind him . . . and pretend that it never existed.

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Rex watched as his younger brother walked away then let out a sigh. He knew that Trixie and Sparky were on their way to Ruby's at that moment, and he knew that they weren't going to be happy to see Speed working in a place like this.

'This isn't going to be good. I just know it.'

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"You ready, Trixie?" Sparky grinned.

"Absolutely," she breathed, her heart beating loudly in her ears. "I just hope Speed got the message to meet us here."

She quickly straightened out her dress before striding quickly to the entrance of Ruby's Sports Bar and Grille. They had some good news. Some very good news indeed.